Gladys Aycock became the 1 Millionth Visitor to the House Of Waterford Crystal. (August 19th) Photo : www.gerryocarroll.com

By Áine Mc Manamon August 23, 2016.

August 19th marked a historic day for the House of Waterford Crystal as they welcomed their one-millionth visitor, Gladys Aycock from North Carolina, to their headquarters in Waterford city, Ireland.

After booking a tour of the factory on her first trip to Ireland’s east coast, Gladys was greeted with a VIP reception upon her arrival at the House of Waterford Crystal. Councilor Adam Wyse, mayor of Waterford City & County and David McCoy, sales & marketing director for the House of Waterford Crystal, were delighted to welcome Gladys, where they cut a celebratory cake that was shared with all other worldwide visitors that were present for the celebrations.

Gladys Aycock is pictured with (left) Mayor of Waterford, Adam Wyse and David McCoy, Sales & Marketing Director, House of Waterford Crystal, during her tour of the visitor centre Photo : www.gerryocarroll.com

“It is real pleasure to welcome Gladys to the House of Waterford Crystal and the many other delights that Waterford City has in store for them,” Councilor Wyse said. “Waterford as a city has invested significantly in providing visitors with world-class facilities at the city’s Viking Triangle attractions including the Bishops Palace and the Medieval Museum. Waterford Crystal plays a significant role promoting awareness of our city both locally and internationally.”

Gladys received a personal tour of the world famous Waterford Crystal factory, working with their master blowers & cutters. Master sculptor Michael Murphy crafted a unique crystal key to present to Gladys, as she will now always be a VIP guest of Waterford Crystal.

Gladys Aycock with David McCoy, Sales Marketing Director, House of Waterford Crystal and Adrian Tutty, Master Craftsman during her tour of the visitor centre (August 19th) Photo : www.gerryocarroll.com

“To be named Waterford Crystal’s one-millionth visitor was a wonderful surprise and it certainly made it a very memorable trip. From the moment we arrived, the impressive factory and brand experience, located by the Viking Triangle was a fantastic experience to enjoy Waterford in its home,” Gladys said.

David McCoy commented, “We take great pride in the many visitors from Ireland and abroad that travel to visit our factory and brand experience. Waterford Crystal is the world’s number one crystal brand and our experience offers an engaging and unique insight into the manufacturing process, which enables us to create these wonderful products. We have a great team at the House of Waterford Crystal, who show great pride and passion in continuing to evolve and develop the craftsmanship that is associated with Waterford Crystal.”

Gladys Aycock is pictured accepting a commemorative presentation from David McCoy, Sales & Marketing Director , House of Waterford Crystal, during her tour of the visitor centre Photo : www.gerryocarroll.com

The House of Waterford Crystal has received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016 and is the number one attraction in Waterford city, where they welcome 180,000 visitors annually from all over the world.

Waterford Crystal continues to provide some of the most prestigious trophies to the world’s great sporting events made at the facility. Some of these events include, the Irish Open Golf Trophy, Solheim Cup (Ladies Ryder Trophy), The People Choice Awards, and, not to forget, awards for our honorees at all Irish America Magazine events. ♦